Mining Incidents

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Every injury and fatality MSHA has on file. Filter by state, year, sector, classification, experience, or any keyword from the investigator's narrative.

Total incidents
273,095
Of which fatal
1,202
Years on record
2000–2026
Classifications
20
Filters 1 active
Time period
Experience at time of incident

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The record

202 matching records

Showing 50 of 202
January 27, 2015 KY · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

employee lifted elevator door and felt a sharp pain in his rib area

September 20, 2014 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was cleaning a plugged chute, when material pushed open an access door. Unknown to employee, when he repositioned himself he fell through the opening

July 13, 2014 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees were removing lagging from a counterweight pulley and buffing off excess lagging. The belt was secured by clamps, counterweight picked, and system de-energized (i.e. locked out) prior to starting work. A (1) ton come-along chain link broke allowing the slack to be taken up quickly in the system. Employee was caught between the roller/pulley and belt.

July 13, 2014 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees were removing lagging from a counterweight pulley and bolting off excess lagging. The belt was secured by clamps, counterweight picked, and system de-energized (i.e. locked out) prior to starting work. A (1) ton come-a-long chain link broke allowing the slack to be taken up quickly in the system. Employee was caught between rollers/pulley & belt

June 10, 2014 KY · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor MACHINERY
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was welding and raised his hood when another employee began grinding in the area. Employee eye became irritated over the course of the week, but kept on working till 6/16. Went to eye doctor on 6/16 and there was a small piece metal in his eye. Safety glasses were being worn under the hood.

June 10, 2014 KY · Coal steel worker, iron metal worker, iron worker HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was trying to get a piece of pipe loose that was hung up and when it slipped loose it hit him on the chin.

May 28, 2014 KY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was pulling down on the elevator door to close it and it came down easier than he expected, pinching his left hand between the two door sections.

March 21, 2014 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall onto or against objects

The employee stated that he was standing at the head of the sampling belt when he fell into a step ladder and injured his right hand.

March 16, 2014 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing a screen from a clean coal vibrator. He was using a utility knife to cut a portion of the plastic screen when it slipped contacted his small finger of the left hand causing an incision that required 2 sutures to close.

February 21, 2014 KY · Coal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE stood up after eating lunch, felt dizzy and fainted. When he fell, he hit his shoulder on floor. He had been under a doctor's care for bronchitis and was taking medication to lower his heart rate which was measured at 45 beats/minute.

February 4, 2014 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was dismounting a Cat end loader. As he descended the ladder he slid his hand along the hand rail, when he stepped to the ground he over extended his reach and "pulled" his left shoulder.

July 23, 2013 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

EE stated he was riding elevator from 1st floor to 4th floor. When he got off at 4th floor, he closed door and had his hand between doors. Doors open from top and bottom and must be pulled together. EE suffered a fracture to the middle finger of his left hand.

January 16, 2013 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stated: Employee reported on 01/18/2013 that he twisted his ankle from stepping in a crack in the floor at the prep plant. On 01/21/2013 he sought medical treatment for back pain and has not returned to work.

November 17, 2012 KY · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

Stated: Employee was repairing chute above belt tail. He used torch to cut. Left torch lying on belt underneath his body and began using a grinder. He ground for about 15 minutes then repositioned himself and started grinding again. The sparks ignited gas inside his bibs. It burned his hip and leg. He was released to RTW but sought further treatment. He remains off work.

October 29, 2012 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from ladders

Stated: Employee was climbing ladder to secure when the bottom of the ladder slipped out. Employee fell on right shoulder. He continued to work. He sought medical evaluation on 11/21/12, was diagnosed with arthritis and slight rotator cuff tear. He continued to work. He underwent arthroscopic repair on 01/16/2013 and is now off work.

August 27, 2012 KY · Coal welder (shop) ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Heritage Coal Company LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stated: Employee stepped off scissor lift and strained knee. He went to the doctor and was released to RTW with restrictions of no kneeling or squatting. He returned to work but found it too difficult. He has become reportable.

August 21, 2012 KY · Coal water truck operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Stated: Employee was assisting mechanic in changing the inside dual on the water truck. He was using a pry bar to lift on the tire and strained his lower back. Diagnosed with low back strain. Placed off work with medication and physical therapy.

March 3, 2012 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stated: Employee was cutting a dam from a deslime screen with a belt knife. The knife slipped and the blade went into his right forearm. The laceration required sutures to close.

February 19, 2012 KY · Coal security guard, watchman OTHER
Heritage Coal Company LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was found unresponsive/unconscious while being relieved by another Security Officer.

May 20, 2011 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from ladders

Stated: Employee was climbing ladder to weld a patch on a chute when the ladder slid side ways and he fell to the floor. He cut his right knee and received 5 sutures. Ret'd to work the next day.

October 27, 2010 KY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Stated: The employee was in the process of changing out the springs on the feed end of the A2 desliming vibrator. The vibrator was being held up with a 3 ton come along hooked to a loop of 3/4" cable thru another metal plate. As he was putting the new spring in place, the cable pulled thru the metal plate. The spring mashed the small finger on his right hand.

July 13, 2010 KY · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was pulling a new replacemet beam for the Coal Vibrator using a come-a-long. The new beam was suspended from the monorail overhead. As he was positioning the beam laterally, the wheels encountered some resistance to rolling. As he manipulated the come-a-long hoist, the resistance was overcome & necessary pressure changed causing EE to twist & hurt shoulder. Missing work 7/14/10.

May 16, 2010 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stated: EE was using hose from water truck to wash belt drive concrete pad. The hose slipped from her hand and struck the right side of her nose. A metal band had been used on the hose near the nozzle which that is thought to have caused a laceration. The laceration was treated with 3 sutures.

February 1, 2010 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

He had climbed up onto a dryer in the plant. When dismounting the dryer he stepped down to the effuent box and then down onto the effuent pipe. The soles of his boot were wet, his foot slipped on the pipe, resulting in a possible sprain to his knee. Started missing scheduled work days 2-8-10, became a reportable incident on that data

December 22, 2009 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Rubbed or abraded

Climbed up on 777 Truck to check the oil and reported feeling a stretching sensation in his left knee when he began to kneel down to open the engine acess compartment door. He stated he did not slip, strain, or fall. He worked until 1/29/10 when he had arthroscopy w/menisectomy on his left knee. EE began missing work on 1/29/10 and became lost time reportable accident on this date.

July 30, 2009 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Reported: Attempting to get a measurement for a rock shield at A-3 cyclone separator. The end of the metal tape caught on a rought edge of the separator roller suddenly pulling the tape through his hand thus resulting in a laceration to his left thumb. Received medical treatment, 5 sutures wer required to close the wound. (No lost time).

June 17, 2009 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

IE was installing a section of C-channel when he noticed a pain in his abdomen/groin region. IE visited a local clinic later that day which diagnosed him with a swollen lymph node, NOT work-related. The following week, the IE's personal dr diagnosed him with a mild hernia. It was back and forth for awhile, trying to determine compensability. Finally determined compensable.

January 17, 2009 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee reported: When attempting to carrying two shaker screens (approx. 32 lbs) from the warehouse shelf to the doorway of the building, pain was experienced to his low back region, possible strain to the lumbar section. He was to load the fiberglass screens onto the bed of a 1 ton truck.

December 2, 2008 KY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer OTHER
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported: When climbing down light plant stationary ladder, shoulder popped. He didn't slip, felt his body weight caused the shoulder to pop and experience pain.

August 19, 2008 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Down in the tunnel under the sludge sumps, attempting to unstop a drain, EE slipped as he was attempting to step up over a pipe and bumped hie rib cage against a water pump resulting in a possible fracture to one rib. Continued to work all scheduled shifts until 8/25/08. Pain continued, went to DR on 8/26 and started missing scheduled work days on that date.

July 11, 2008 KY · Coal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee reported: doing work in shop area of plant, bent over to pick up a piece of steel plate, experienced pain in lower abdomen. Sought medical treatment a few days later. Determined he had a hernia and could need surgery. Surgery was delayed until July 30, 2008; started missing scheduled work as of that date.

July 6, 2008 KY · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Injured stated he was helping another EE move a piece of plate steel (3/4" X 48" X 48"). The plate was not cut all the way, so he lifted the plate and slammed it down. The plate then broke, catching his finger on the steel horse beneath it.

May 27, 2008 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was using a 10' pry bar attempting to remove material in chute. When applying pressure on the bar, material broke up, allowing sudden movement of the bar. EE's thumb was caught between the pry bar and an eyelet that had been welded on the chute, resulting in a small laceration to the right thumb. Laceration required 8 sutures to close.

November 14, 2007 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STRIKING OR BUMPING
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck against stationary object

Walking on the lower floor of the wash plant. Someone had removed floor grate to let wash down water exit. The grating was not replaced, was not marked at all. Later the employee was walking down that same grating and stepped into the open grate that was covered with water.

August 6, 2007 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from machine

EE & coworker were to change screen of dryer. To remove upper cover of dryer, the chute above dryer must be released & moved to allow cover to be raised. EE climbed onto top of dryer to unlatch chute, when dismounting he placed foot on lid of effluent box. Lid moved causing him to lose balance & fall 38" to concrete floor onto lt. arm resulting in simple fracture to wrist.

May 2, 2007 KY · Coal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from machine

Employee reported: He was attempting to unboard the operator's compartment of a Hitachi ZX370 trac-hoe. When climbing down from the cab, he lost the grip of the right hand-hold rail, allowing him to fall to the ground. He extended his left hand to break his fall. The weight of his body was applied to his left arm resulting in an impact fracture to the left forearm.

December 14, 2006 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee reported: He & a co-worker were servicing the clean coal silo feeders. He climbed the ladder to the walkway to the feeder & proceeded to grease the north side bearing. When stepping around the end of the feeder walkway, he lost his footing, falling to the top of the belt cover then down to the load out tunnel floor. The backside of his head hit the floor.

July 27, 2006 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported: He & coworkers were preparing to change out a damaged scree of the cyclone refuse vibrator. He climbed up into the vibrator, when stepping down onto the cloor of vibrator, sole of boot placed onto a piece of angle iron, causing foot to slip resulting in twisting of knee. 8/15/06 MRI taken, tear in meniscus, started missing work 8/15/06.

May 24, 2006 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee and a co-worker were moving a dryer screen from a storage location to the dryer. When picking up the screen, he lost his grip allowing screen to fall. The edge of the screen contacted his right middle finger resulting in a small laceration requiring 8 stitches.

December 17, 2005 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Unboarding Komatsu refuse truck, when she stepped from last step to ground, ground was uneven causing her to twist knee. She continued to work all scheduled shifts until 1-19-06; on that day surgery was performed and she started missing work days.

December 16, 2005 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employees were positioning chutework on the second floor when it slid into injured's foot.

October 26, 2005 KY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EMPLOYEE STATED THAT HE WAS INSTALLING NEW PVC CONDUIT TO EBR-48 DRYERS AND PVC CLEANER SPILLED INTO THE EMPLOYEES GLOVES. HE CONTINUED TO WEAR THE GLOVES UNTIL FINISHING THIS TASK. WITHIN 3 DAYS HE EXPERINCED A SEVERE RASH ON BOTH HANDS. THE CLEANER MATERIAL HAD IRRITATED HIS SKIN CONDITION. HE SUFFERS FROM PSORIASIS.

May 15, 2005 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

When cleaning the first floor of the prep plant with a water hose she felt pain and numbness in both wrists. Also after completing the task she had a hard time gripping with both hands. Medical information from Workers Comp. does not support employee's claim. The company does not believe it to be work related. Under protest and ordered by MSHA the company is completing a report.

February 25, 2005 KY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall onto or against objects

EE slipped on mud or loose rock and fell on a piece of rebar vertically extended from the ground.

September 24, 2004 KY · Coal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

VICTIM & CO-WORKER WERE REPLACING A 14" PLASTIC WATER PIPE. THE WRAP-AROUND COUPLING WAS TIGHT & THEY COULDN'T GET THE CONNECTION BOLTS STARTED. THEY LEFT THE AREA TO RETRIEVE A PRY BAR. UPON RETURNING TO THE WORK SITE, THE CO-WORKER FOUND THE VICTIM LAYING ON THE PLANT FLOOR BLEEDING FROM A LACERATION TO HIS HEAD. THE VICTIM CAN'T RECALL WHAT OCCURRED, THERE WAS NO EYE WITNESS.

August 27, 2004 KY · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor POWERED HAULAGE
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE STATED, HE WAS CHECKING VIBRATION ON TROUGHING ROLLER AND A KEY STOCK WELDED ON THE ROLLER FOR A SPEED SWITCH CAUGHT HIS LEFT HAND CUTTING HIS MIDDLE FINGER (EMPLOYEE WAS WEARING GLOVES).

June 8, 2004 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Fall from machine

EMPLOYEE STATES, HE WAS DISMOUNTING VOLVO DIRT TRUCK AND MISSED HAND HOLD AND STEP AND FELL HURTING HIS BACK.

February 27, 2004 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states she noticed tingling in arm 2-27-04 when using hammer to assemble and disassemble metal shelving. i got progressively worse and went to dr. 7-12-04.

February 17, 2004 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE stated he was lying on his stomach lifting a drive shaft into position to hook it up, and felt pain. EE worked all scheduled shift until Nov 15, 04, on that day ee had hernia surgery and started missing scheduled work days.

January 26, 2004 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Heritage Coal Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE STATED HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO UNSTOP RAW COAL CHUTE WITH A METAL BAR AND SOMETHING HIT THE BARFORCING IT AGAINST HIS RIGHT LOWER LEG, CAUSING A 1" CUT TO HIS SHIN.

Showing 50 of 202